Methods and apparatuses are described for intelligent smoothing of 3D alternative reality applications for secondary 2D viewing. A computing device receives a first data set corresponding to a first position of an alternative reality viewing device. The computing device generates a 3D virtual environment for display on the alternative reality viewing device using the first data set, and a 2D rendering of the virtual environment for display on a display device using the first data set. The computing device receives a second data set corresponding to a second position of the alternative reality viewing device after movement of the alternative reality viewing device. The computing device determines whether a difference between the first data set and the second data set is above a threshold. The computing device updates the 2D rendering of the virtual environment on the display device using the second data set, when the difference is above the threshold value.